Weaving is one of humanity's oldest textile arts, and it turns out the basic over-under pattern is accessible to preschoolers with the right loom setup. A cardboard loom requires no tools beyond scissors, costs nothing, and introduces children to the rhythm of weaving — over, under, over, under — which is a pattern sequence they carry into math and music as well as craft. Finished weavings can become coasters, wall art, or bookmarks.

How to Make a Cardboard Loom

1. Cut a rectangle of stiff cardboard (about 15 × 20 cm).
2. Cut notches along the top and bottom edges, spaced about 1 cm apart.
3. Thread yarn vertically between the top and bottom notches — these are the "warp" threads. Tie and tape ends at the back.

How to Weave

1. Cut strips of yarn, fabric, or ribbon about 30 cm long — these are "weft" threads.
2. Push the first strip over the first warp thread, under the second, over the third, and so on across the loom.
3. Push it to the top of the loom.
4. Start the next strip from the opposite side and go under the threads that the first strip went over.
5. Push each row tight against the previous one.
6. Continue until the loom is full.

Materials to Weave With

• Thick yarn in multiple colors
• Torn fabric strips
• Ribbon
• Strips of tissue paper
• Natural materials: dried grass, thin twigs, leaves

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can children start weaving on a cardboard loom?

With adult setup of the loom, children as young as 3.5 can do simple over-under weaving using thick yarn and widely spaced warp threads. By age 4–5, most children can manage the full over-under alternating pattern with guidance. For very young children, start with just 4–5 warp threads across a small card — fewer threads means less confusion and faster completion.

Related crafts: Yarn Painting | Paper Fans | Paper Mosaics